From “Possible Carcinogen” to “Proven Cause of Cancer”
Back in 1982, IARC classified benzene as a “known” or Group 1 carcinogen. In 1988, despite the fact that benzene was a constituent of gasoline, IARC only classified gasoline as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B). Since 1988, the petroleum industry has used IARC’s muted finding to shield itself in toxic tort cases.
Despite the known dangers of benzene, industry experts routinely claimed that gasoline as a mixture wasn’t conclusively linked to cancer. This legal loophole allowed companies to defend themselves in court, even in cases where workers had prolonged and direct benzene exposure.
Now, as a result of the IARC’s finding that gasoline causes cancer, that defense is no longer valid.
What the New Science Confirms
IARC’s reclassification is based on a comprehensive review by 20 global experts, including epidemiologists and toxicologists. Their evaluation included:
- Strong links between gasoline exposure and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Associations with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and cancers of the stomach and kidney
- Mechanistic evidence that gasoline exposure causes genetic damage,oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, all pathways directly tied to cancer development
Workers with occupational exposure, such as gas station attendants, refinery workers, and fuel transport drivers, were especially at risk due to sustained benzene exposure.
Why This Matters for Victims of Benzene and Gasoline Exposure
The IARC’s Group 1 classification doesn’t estimate “safe” levels, it identifies substances that cause cancer under real-world conditions. For thousands of workers across the U.S. exposed to benzene-containing gasoline, this is long-awaited validation.
Too many lives have been upended by blood cancers like AML, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute promyelocytic (APL), conditions often traced back to long-term benzene exposure in workplaces. Until now, defense attorneys could point to gasoline’s former classification to deny compensation.
With this update, toxic tort lawyers representing victims can now use the Group 1 designation as powerful evidence in court.
What This Means for Toxic Tort Cases
This development will reshape the landscape of toxic litigation in several ways:
- Litigation Advantage: Plaintiffs in benzene exposure lawsuits can now point to gasoline’s classification as a known human carcinogen, similar to asbestos and tobacco smoke.
- Regulatory Impact: Expect more aggressive regulation from OSHA and EPA, and changes under laws like California’s Proposition 65, including stricter labeling requirements.
- Corporate Accountability: Companies that dismissed cancer risks for years may now face liability for exposing workers to a toxic substance without adequate protection.
The Petroleum Industry’s Strategy of Denial
For decades, oil companies and their legal teams relied on the argument that while benzene was a known carcinogen, gasoline itself wasn’t. This allowed them to avoid paying damages to thousands of workers suffering from cancers clearly linked to toxic chemical exposure.
Now, that narrative is no longer supported by science. The IARC’s Group 1 designation puts gasoline and benzene exposure in the same legal and scientific category.
Speak to a Benzene Exposure Lawyer Today
At Hughes Law Offices, we represent workers whose health and livelihoods were destroyed by benzene exposure in the workplace. Our legal team understands the complexities of toxic tort litigation, and we are ready to help you or your loved one seek justice.
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with:
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
- Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
- Or other cancers linked to benzene and gasoline exposure
We may be able to help.
Contact us today at 1-800-BENZENE for a free consultation with a toxic tort lawyer. Let us help you determine whether your illness is connected to occupational or environmental benzene exposure, and find the best path forward.
